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E Pluribus Unum, “Out of many, one”. The de facto and original motto of the United States of America was replaced during the red scare of the 1950’s by “In God We Trust”.

In essence, last night’s election was a referendum on which motto more clearly represents our nation. With the re-election of President Barack Obama, we chose the motto that represents the triumph of our collectivism and our shared beliefs. America has seen more challenging times than those we find ourselves living in today. In the past, our triumph over those challenges was always rooted in our collectivism, our ability to work together from a shared set of values to put us on the right side of progress and history. However, a necessary byproduct of this great American experiment in democracy has been a messy and sometimes glacial pace of change. These past four years, change has been glacial and progress difficult. Yet, we endure. If last night’s election was any indication, we will undoubtedly emerge yet again from hard times as a stronger and better nation. Even if it happens more slowly than those of us might like.

In a speech for the ages last night, President Obama reaffirmed our national intent to rise above our political differences and move forward, not as individuals, but as a nation.

An incredible night for those of us who believe our greatness is defined not by our differences, but our ability to overcome them.

“The role of citizen in our democracy does not end with your vote. America’s never been about what can be done for us. It’s about what can be done by us together through the hard and frustrating, but necessary work of self-government. That’s the principle we were founded on.” – President Obama